Lectionary: 280
Reading 1
Acts 11:19-26
Those who had been scattered by the persecution
that arose because of Stephen
went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch,
preaching the word to no one but Jews.
There were some Cypriots and Cyrenians among them, however,
who came to Antioch and began to speak to the Greeks as well,
proclaiming the Lord Jesus.
The hand of the Lord was with them
and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.
The news about them reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem,
and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch.
When he arrived and saw the grace of God,
he rejoiced and encouraged them all
to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart,
for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith.
And a large number of people was added to the Lord.
Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch.
For a whole year they met with the Church
and taught a large number of people,
and it was in Antioch that the disciples
were first called Christians.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 87:1b-3, 4-5, 6-7
R. (117:1a) All you nations, praise the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
His foundation upon the holy mountains
the LORD loves:
The gates of Zion,
more than any dwelling of Jacob.
Glorious things are said of you,
O city of God!
R. All you nations, praise the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I tell of Egypt and Babylon
among those who know the LORD;
Of Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia:
“This man was born there.”
And of Zion they shall say:
“One and all were born in her;
And he who has established her
is the Most High LORD.”
R. All you nations, praise the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
They shall note, when the peoples are enrolled:
“This man was born there.”
And all shall sing, in their festive dance:
“My home is within you.”
R. All you nations, praise the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Gospel
John 10:22-30
The feast of the Dedication was taking place in Jerusalem.
It was winter.
And Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon.
So the Jews gathered around him and said to him,
“How long are you going to keep us in suspense?
If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.”
Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe.
The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me.
But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep.
My sheep hear my voice;
I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.
No one can take them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all,
and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand.
The Father and I are one.”
REFLECTION
SOURCE: One Bread One Body
THEME: NO SNATCHING
"No one shall snatch them out of My hand. My Father is greater than all, in what He has given Me, and there is no snatching out of His hand." –John 10:28-29
Most of us have family members and friends who have not given their lives to Jesus. We are rightly concerned about them. We hate to think that Jesus' death would be in vain for our loved ones (see 1 Cor 1:17). We are also painfully aware that many family members and friends are stubborn and very resistant to the Gospel. When we think of this, we tend to become more discouraged.
However, we should not be preoccupied with the condition of those away from the Lord. Rather, we should fix our eyes on Jesus (Heb 12:2). Although their sin is horrible, His "grace has far surpassed it" (Rm 5:20). Although they are stubborn, the Lord is all-powerful. Although they are selfish, He is Love Itself – even to the point of becoming a human being and dying on the cross for love of them and us. Everyone has a free will, and they can decide to separate themselves from the Lord forever, but the Lord also has a free, perfect will. He has decided to live, die, and rise for all in an almost irresistible way. "There is no snatching out of His hand" (Jn 10:29).
If the Lord has much to say about it, we and our loved ones will see Him face to face and be happy with Him forever in heaven. Be encouraged, confident, and hopeful of the salvation of all your family members and friends.
PRAYER: Father, lead at least one of my family members into Your kingdom this Pentecost.
PROMISE: "He encouraged them all to remain firm in their commitment to the Lord...Thereby large numbers were added to the Lord." –Acts 11:23-24
PRAISE: Joe bought a rosary while at Fatima. He asked Our Lady of Fatima to make it clear whom he should marry, and promised to give the rosary to his future wife. Years later, he met a faith-filled woman. When he proposed to her, he gave her the rosary.
Be an inspiration, Share!
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